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olive tree question

a little off the usual topic however i suspect this is the right place to post this and look for feedback.....

so i met this older very nice italian gentleman today as a result of some figs i spotted in his driveway.....and he said he has an olive tree that he wants to give away. 
i have yet to see the tree cause it was in his other property, however he told me he keeps it in his heated greenhouse during the winter. basically he is too old and the tree is getting heavy for him to bring in and out etc. he also said tree needs up potting.

any of you grow olive trees? anyone from the north east?
i never knew we can grow olives in north east climate
i was thinking its almost exclusive to mediterranean sea regions or perhaps california.

i am located in ontario, zone 5, 80 mins east of toronto

if i was to adopt this tree, what kind of soil to i need to use to up pot?
he had mention that the tree needs to be kept heated over winter. can i grow it indoors? does it need full sun or just warmth and light for the winter months?

looking for all the feedback i can get

thank you, eli

yes - he had also promised to hook me up with some small plants of figs next season, just in case some of you wonder :-)
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I have grown olive trees in pots for several years. It can be brought indoors in winter, but don't expect it to flower for you. It will need some chill hours which can not be provided indoors. A cool greenhouse is ideal, because it has enough light and remains cool but not freezing in winter. 

You can use the same soil you use for figs, You will need good draining soil. 
They're not as hardy as figs, and you can only grow them in a container. 
I hope this helps.
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Bass, have your olive trees fruited for you?
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When they were small they fruited. I have one large olive left, I need to root prune it and repot it. It is possible that they will fruit, but they're not reliable like figs. 
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thank you bass.

so grow in a pot. same soil composition, good draining soil.
do i need to mix in lime and slow release fertilizer as well ?

i have a fully enclosed south facing porch that is not heated. it gets lots of sun however during january and febuary it does gets below freezing for sure over night. (i guess at times well below). during the day, if nice and sunny, it could get real nice. almost like a green house which is not heated.
would that be adequate for keeping it during winter? will it fruit ?

olive tree is a beautiful tree, symbol of peace etc but the fruits will sure be a huge bonus to put in the hard work

all in all, for not such an experience grower like myself - should i go for it? 

thank you so much
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It will not take temperatures below freezing. Mature trees can withstand freezing when in the ground, but not for long, if it's in a pot it will not make it. I would keep it above freezing if possible.
I would fertilize it in spring only with slow release.

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thank you bass

i will go later check out the tree and make a decision....i think i will go for it and give it a try
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so here is a picture of the tree which has some 3 little fruits on it


also, a little dark italian fig plant i got, some oregano. giant tomatoes, hot papers....

what a set up these guy had....those older gentleman from the old country really know a thing or two......the grapes this guy is growing are unbelievable!

eli

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it looks like a nice pretty olive tree.. Now don't get too excited and try to eat these olives right off the tree...

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Yeah like Bass said dont get too excited, you should wait another day for olive on left and even more for olive on right .
Then eat and tell us how you liked em.
 ; )
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thank you fellows .... martin - similar to what we saw on your video.... no doubt you have the eye for the dark ones!
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in other words, you can't pick them and eat them, they have to be cured first.

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Bass -  shhh like in church. ; )
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Eli,

Don't root prune it, just up-pot it in a 15+ sized gallon. Keep it in a sunny and warm room all winter. In summer place it somewhere that it get lots and lots of sun, Olive trees love the sun.

Good luck.


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